About 2% of natural gas supplied to Indianapolis leaks into the atmosphere.

The Penn State researchers' findings suggest that homes and buildings are the primary culprits, not the city's pipelines or large-scale distribution systems. This leakage contributes significantly to greenhouse gases, exacerbating climate change impacts in the region.

The study reveals that nearly a decade of data points to residential and commercial structures as major sources of natural gas leaks.

If left unchecked, these leaks could lead to increased air pollution and higher energy costs for residents, while also contributing to long-term ecological degradation.

Can local infrastructure withstand future compounding shocks?

The city must address building-related leakage to prevent further environmental damage. Upgrading insulation and sealing techniques in homes could reduce leaks. However, the broader issue of aging infrastructure remains a significant risk.

Addressing building leaks is crucial but not enough.